General Information

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks, whose nine members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council, was established in 1968 by
City Ordinance. It is responsible for recommending to the City Council that individual buildings, sites,
objects, or entire districts be designated as Chicago Landmarks, thereby providing legal protection. Information about the
Commission, including it's current membership, meeting schedule, agendas and minutes, is available from the links at the
right hand side of the page.

To be recommended by the Commission for the landmark designation, areas, districts, places, buildings, structures, work of art,
or other objects must meet at least two of the following seven criteria: value as an example of City, State or National heritage; location
a site of a significant historic event, identification with a significant person, exemplary architecture, work of a significant architect or
designer, representation of a significant theme, and a unique or distinctive visual feature. Chicago Landmarks must also meet an additional
integrity criterion which states that they must possess a significant historic, community, architectural or aesthetic interest or value, the
integrity of which is preserved in light of its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and ability to express such historic, community,
architectural or aesthetic interest or value. Additional information about Chicago Landmark designation process is available from the link at
the right hand side of the page.

The Commission is also responsible for reviewing any proposed alteration, demolition, or new construction affecting individual
landmarks or properties in landmark districts as part of the permit review process. Information about permit review process is available
from the link at the right hand side of the page.

The Commission is staffed by the Planning, Design & Historic Preservation Division of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
Additional information about the Planning, Design & Historic Preservation Division is available on the link at the right hand side of the page.

Additional information is available from the links at the right side of the page.